Who Owns the Yellowstone Ranch in 2025?

If you’re into "Yellowstone," you’ve likely been wowed by the stunning Dutton Ranch, the sprawling and breathtaking property owned by Kevin Costner’s character, John Dutton. You might think it’s just a Hollywood creation, a mix of various locations and special effects, but it’s actually a real place: Chief Joseph Ranch in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley.

Chief Joseph Ranch has a rich history that dates back to 1880 when it was first settled. The 2,500-acre ranch was bought in 1914 by Howard Clark Hollister and William Ford, who built a 6,000 square-foot lodge that’s still there today (you can spot it in "Yellowstone" as John’s main residence). Over the years, it changed hands a few times before Shane Libel took ownership. A few years back, the show’s producers reached out to him, asking if they could film at the ranch. He agreed, and that’s how it became part of TV western lore.

Here’s how the Chief Joseph Ranch describes its collaboration with "Yellowstone":

"The Readers Digest version of the story is that it was a cold call. We did not have the ranch listed as a film location. We are humbled and honored that Paramount chose our ranch as the setting of this amazing series."

Not much info is available about Libel. If you Google his name, you'll mostly find results linked to Yellowstone and Chief Joseph Ranch because of the hit show. However, the ranch has its own rich history and interesting stories. It's an active ranch where fans can visit, take a picture with the Dutton Ranch sign (which stays up all year for good reason), and even rent a cabin for an overnight stay.

The popularity of "Yellowstone" has definitely boosted the ranch's tourism, and their website is packed with details on how the ranch is featured in the show. It even lists all the key spots that die-hard fans will recognize, like the lodge's great room, kitchen, back porch, front porch, helipad, and yard, along with a bunch of other filming locations scattered across the vast property.

Per the Chief Joseph Ranch site:

"We welcome the large number of Yellowstone fans who stop at our gates to take photos of the Dutton Ranch sign. Please be courteous and not block the driveway. During filming there will be security at the gates. The Security company will not allow photos at that time due to the need to keep the drive open for cast and crew. "

It may sound unbelievable, but all these spots are actually real and located on the same ranch, which is pretty rare for film and TV productions.

Chief Joseph Ranch has become a hotspot for "Yellowstone" fans. Interestingly, the real-life owner of the Dutton Ranch is one of those fans. In a radio chat with Shane Libel on XL Country 100.7 in Montana, the ranch owner shared his own special experience of watching "Yellowstone" from the comfort of his home.

"The most surreal thing in the world, and the most humbling thing in the world is when you're sitting in your own living room watching a show that's filmed in your house."

If you're into "Yellowstone," it's tough not to feel a bit jealous!

In the meantime, take a look at Chief Joseph Ranch from a bird's-eye view with this awesome video below, brought to you by GravityKnightFlying on YouTube.

Chief Joseph Ranch’s role as the iconic Dutton Ranch in "Yellowstone" has brought well-deserved attention to its rich history and stunning beauty. Its real-life owner, Shane Libel, has played an essential role in allowing the ranch to become a beloved destination for fans of the show.

The ranch offers a unique blend of history, breathtaking scenery, and a genuine connection to the series. Whether you’re visiting to take photos, stay in a cabin, or simply appreciate the beauty of Montana, Chief Joseph Ranch offers an unforgettable experience for both fans and newcomers alike, cementing its place in pop culture.

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